Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
08:56
Study of Experimental Organ Donation Models for Lung Transplantation
Published on: March 15, 2024
2.2K
A rare cause of postoperative hypotension
Pedro D Salinas1, Laura N Toth2, Harold L Manning1
1Departments of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, NH.
Chest
|May 6, 2015
Summary
This case highlights a rare instance of massive pulmonary embolism in a patient with ovarian cancer. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in these high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- A 62-year-old woman with ovarian cancer presented with abdominal distension and decreased exercise tolerance.
- Imaging revealed an ovarian mass, ascites, and pleural effusion, with no initial evidence of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
Observation:
- Postoperatively, the patient developed severe hypotension and hypoxemia immediately after extubation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T-wave inversions and an S1Q3T3 pattern, suggestive of acute cardiac strain.
Findings:
- Echocardiography revealed right ventricular (RV) enlargement and dysfunction, consistent with acute RV overload.
- These findings, in the context of recent surgery for ovarian cancer, strongly indicated a massive pulmonary embolism.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering pulmonary embolism in patients with gynecologic malignancies presenting with cardiopulmonary symptoms.
- Early recognition and treatment of massive PTE are critical for survival in this patient population.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
438
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
438
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
596
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
596
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
1.2K
Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
1.2K
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
598
Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
598
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
2.5K
Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
2.5K
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
1.1K
Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
1.1K